Auto-destruct

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The Constitution-class Enterprise self destructs

The auto-destruct system (also known as self-destruct or destruct sequence) was a starship system that allowed the total destruction of the vessel. This was typically activated as a last resort, usually to prevent a ship from falling into enemy hands.

In Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise, it was stated that if the code "0-0-0-Destruct-1" is given, it will result in an overload of the warp core (most likely an intentional warp core breach, although that term was not used until TNG). This version of the auto-destruct was meant for use in deep space, nowhere near a planetary environment.

Originally, the auto-destruct sequence aboard Galaxy-class starships required the authorization and palm-print identification of both the commanding and executive officers from main engineering. The sequence could be aborted from the bridge by voice recognition and palm print identification by the same officers. The time interval could not be adjusted and was preset for a five minute countdown. (TNG: "11001001")

By 2365, the time interval could be preselected and the countdown aborted without the need of palm-print identification. The activation of the auto-destruct sequence also triggered a red alert. (TNG: "Where Silence Has Lease")

Upon providing palm-print identification, the captain would order the computer to initiate the auto-destruct. The computer would ask if the first officer concurred. Providing the first officer agrees, the computer would verbally confirm the order and begin the countdown with the appropriate time delay. Should the order be desired to be cancelled, the captain would order the computer to abort the sequence. The computer would question the first officer's agreement before cancelling the sequence.

The Defiant-class sequence was activated from the bridge, requiring the captain and first officer's consent and palm-print identification to activate. The time delay was left to the captain's discretion. Upon activation of the destruct sequence, a red alert would be triggered and all bridge computer terminals would display the remaining time left in the countdown. Cancelling the sequence would require the captain and first officer's orders without the need of palm-print identification or computer clarification. (DS9: "The Adversary")

Aboard the Intrepid-class, auto-destruct required the captain's sole authorization. In addition to selecting the desired time interval, the captain also had the option of ordering a silent countdown - a single voice prompt would occur at the commencement of the sequence, with no further audio warnings made. (VOY: "Deadlock", "Dreadnought")

The Sovereign-class required the authorization of the captain and two senior officers. Each would state their name and rank, confirming the sequence, and giving their authorization code. The captain would then select the destruct sequence type, sequence delay, and whether a silent countdown would be initiated.

It is not clear whether Data used his personal codes to terminate the auto-destruct or if he used Picard's (similar to how he was able to impersonate Picard in "Brothers") or if he circumvented the system with the main computer encryption codes he stored in his neural net.

An "Omega" option for the auto-destruct was also available and only needed the captain's authorization to initiate.

23rd century Romulanvessels used "old style" atomic weapons in their self-destruct system which were not integrated into the ship itself. These weapons could be removed and jettisoned into space as mines. (TOS: "Balance of Terror")